Lettuce lovers are confused and afraid
Consumers are expressing confusion and anxiety regarding the safety of fresh lettuce due to recent outbreaks of the parasite Cyclospora. Many salad enthusiasts are altering their dietary habits or avoiding leafy greens entirely to mitigate health risks.
Why it matters
Food safety concerns significantly impact consumer behavior and the supply chain for fresh produce.
Salad fans told Business Insider how they were faring as Cyclospora spreads. Jaylin Eaves; Austin Kreitler; Diana Umana The spread of Cyclospora has some eaters cutting down on fresh lettuce. Five salad lovers told Business Insider about their strategies, from avoiding iceberg to cutting fresh produce entirely. "I can't keep track of what I can't eat anymore," one lettuce lover said. "I'm hungry!" Baldwin Williams Jr. wanted lunch. He was craving Jersey Mike's, but then remembered that his sub would have shredded lettuce. Then he thought about Qdoba — but remembered his bowl would have lettuce, too. Sure, the 28-year-old from Maryland could've gotten his meal without the leafy greens. But Williams firmly believes that "the lettuce is the base." Williams has tried to avoid lettuce ever since news broke about Cyclospora, a microscopic parasite that causes the intestinal illness cyclosporiasis.
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